IMPROVING THE PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE OF TEACHERS IN SMALL RURAL SCHOOLS (SRS) THROUGH DIGITAL LEARNING PLATFORMS

This study explores the development and implementation of a distance learning model specifically tailored for teachers in multi-grade rural schools (MGS) in Kazakhstan. The research was driven by the unique challenges that teachers in these schools face, including physical isolation, lack of technological resources, and the need to teach mixed-age classes with limited educational materials. The purpose of the article is to examine the professional competence of teachers of rural small schools and to enhance them through digital learning platforms. Existing professional development programs and distance learning courses were found inadequate for addressing these issues, prompting the creation of a new model using the Discord platform. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods, including surveys and interviews with 31 MKS teachers, to identify their specific needs and challenges. The developed model incorporated video lessons, practical assignments, and a mentorship component, all adapted for the realities of teaching in rural schools. Discord was selected for its cross-platform functionality, ease of use, and ability to facilitate both synchronous and asynchronous communication. Results showed that 92% of participants found the platform accessible, with 67% successfully applying new skills in practice. Peer-to-peer learning and mentorship were key to the model’s success, fostering both professional development and emotional support among teachers. The study concludes that integrating modern digital platforms into rural education can significantly improve teachers' professional competence and suggests further development of standard guidelines for distance learning in multi-grade rural schools.

1. Oleksiuk О., Teriaieva L., Teriaiev V. (2023). Features of the Organization of the Educational Process in the Conditions of Distance Learning. Osvìtologìčnij diskurs. doi: 10.28925/2312-5829.2023.13.– Р. 40-58 [in English]

2. Svyshe 4 mlrd tenge budet vydeleno dlya podnyatiya urovnya obrazovaniya v sel'skikh shkolakh [Over 4 billion tenge will be allocated to raise the level of education in rural schools]. Available at: — URL: https://inbusiness.kz/ru/news/svyshe-4-mlrd-tenge-budet-vydeleno-dlya-podnyatiya-urovnya-obrazovaniya-v- selskih-shkolah [in Russian] (accessed: 16.10.2022)

3. Qingyi Lu. (2023). The Problems and Organization of Learning Using Distance Educational Technologies: Practical Issues. doi: 10.1007/978-981-99-0601-7_45. – Р. 585-601[in English]

4. Ospanova B., Ospanova R., Aubakirova B., Kuanysheva G., Kabzhanova T., Anatolyevna I., Tabakaev Y. (2022). The organization of distance education in during the Covid-19 pandemic. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences. Р. 999–1008 [in English]

5. Ezhova Y.M. (2021). Features of the organization of the educational process in the information and educational environment. – Р. 96 –100 [in English]

6. Wahyuningsih E., Baidi B. (2021). Scrutinizing the potential use of Discord application as a digital platform amidst emergency remote learning. doi: 10.22515/JEMIN.V1I1.3448. Р. 9 –18 [in English]

7. Yanina K., Tkachenko N., Stepkin A., Stepkina A. (2022). Using the Сlassdojo platform to organize distance learning at school. Tehnologìï elektronnogo navčannâ. doi: 10.31865/2709-840062022270269. Р. 61 – 69 [in English]

8. Tran Gia, Tri Uong, Duy Khoi Nguyen, Huu Nhon Nguyen. (2022). Teachers’ Feedback on Using Discord as an Online Learning Platform. International Journal of TESOL & Education. doi: 10.54855/ijte.22246. Р. 84 –104 [in English]

9. Vladyslav K., Dmitriy B., Pavlo C., Evgeniy K., Andrey S. (2020). Discord platform as an online learning environment for emergencies. doi: 10.32919/UESIT.2020.02.02. Р. 13 –28 [in English]

10. Barnad B. (2021). Discord to Support Synchronous Communication in Distance Learning. doi: 10.2991/ASSEHR.K.210615.007. – Р. 34 – 38 [in English]

11. Bradley R. (2022). Governance on, with, behind, and beyond the Discord platform: a study of platform practices in an informal learning context. Learning, Media and Technology. doi: 10.1080/17439884.2022.2052312. Р. 81 – 94 [in English]